Opinion

Andi Story is running for Alaska House District 34. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: The real deal named Andi Story

I see Story’s approach as a strength, not a weakness.

Andi Story is running for Alaska House District 34. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Opinion: Speak for the salmon

Opinion: Speak for the salmon

It is our turn now to speak to future Alaskans and speak for the salmon we hope to entrust to them.

Opinion: Speak for the salmon
Opinion: Finish the ballot

Opinion: Finish the ballot

One of the best-kept secrets of this — or any — Alaska election season is the incredible amount of information that Alaska voters have in… Continue reading

Opinion: Finish the ballot
Opinion: Salmon should define us, not divide us

Opinion: Salmon should define us, not divide us

Why not vote on the side of our salmon?

Opinion: Salmon should define us, not divide us
In this photo taken on, Tuesday, April 4, 2017, the Capitol in seen from the Supreme Court Building in Washington. (AP Photo | J. Scott Applewhite)

Opinion: The identity politics of Obamacare

It’s been more than eight years since Democrats in Congress passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, as the law Republicans loved… Continue reading

In this photo taken on, Tuesday, April 4, 2017, the Capitol in seen from the Supreme Court Building in Washington. (AP Photo | J. Scott Applewhite)
unsplash.com stock image.

Opinion: Vote yes on Ballot Measure 1

Alaskans should vote yes on Ballot Measure 1, which would protect wild salmon habitat, in the General Election this Nov. 6​. Why? Consider that Alaska’s… Continue reading

unsplash.com stock image.
Trenton English takes advantage of early voting in the municipal election at the Mendenhall Mall Annex on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.(Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Countdown to Election 2018: The basic requirements

Our local government most directly impacts your daily lives in Juneau.

Trenton English takes advantage of early voting in the municipal election at the Mendenhall Mall Annex on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.(Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
The Willoughby District, including the Juneau Arts and Culture Center, is seen here on Jan. 4, 2016. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Why I support the vision behind the new Juneau Arts and Culture Center

I want to publicly express my support for the effort by the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council to build a new Juneau Arts and Culture… Continue reading

The Willoughby District, including the Juneau Arts and Culture Center, is seen here on Jan. 4, 2016. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: As a seafood processor, I’m voting No on Stand for Salmon

Opinion: As a seafood processor, I’m voting No on Stand for Salmon

Sometimes, to understand where you’re going, you have to look back and see where you’ve been. The older I get, the more I use history… Continue reading

Opinion: As a seafood processor, I’m voting No on Stand for Salmon
Opinion: Wade Bryson is a great fit for the Juneau Assembly

Opinion: Wade Bryson is a great fit for the Juneau Assembly

I’m writing this letter in hopes to return some support and kind words that have been bestowed upon me. My name is Dana, and I’m… Continue reading

Opinion: Wade Bryson is a great fit for the Juneau Assembly
Opinion: ACLU fight is not about billboards

Opinion: ACLU fight is not about billboards

No, the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska is not fighting to allow billboards along Alaska’s scenic highways. It’s understandable that many Alaskans may have… Continue reading

Opinion: ACLU fight is not about billboards
President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, takes his seat after a break before starting a third round of questioning on the third day of his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington, to replace retired Justice Anthony Kennedy. (AP Photo | Jacquelyn Martin)

Opinion: Kavanaugh is bad for Alaska’s tribes

On Tuesday, Sept. 4, the Senate Judiciary Committee began confirmation hearings for Brett Kavanaugh, President Trump’s nominee to the United States Supreme Court. His confirmation… Continue reading

President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, takes his seat after a break before starting a third round of questioning on the third day of his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington, to replace retired Justice Anthony Kennedy. (AP Photo | Jacquelyn Martin)
Gov. Bill Walker answers a range of questions during an interview with the Empire in his Capitol office on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Walker fails in government transparency

Among Gov. Bill Walker’s many failures, a fundamental one is his failure to govern openly and transparently.

Gov. Bill Walker answers a range of questions during an interview with the Empire in his Capitol office on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Students sit on the front steps of the Alaska Capitol on April 6, 2018. (James Brooks photo | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Candidates must be held accountable on capital issues

We’ve seen it many times. Reporters ask gubernatorial candidates “do you support Juneau as the Capital?” That is met with the perfunctory “yes.” Next question.… Continue reading

Students sit on the front steps of the Alaska Capitol on April 6, 2018. (James Brooks photo | Juneau Empire)
Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, leaves the Senate Judiciary Committee room for a short break on the third day of his confirmation hearing, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. (J. Scott Applewhite | The Associated Press)

Opinion: Sen. Murkowski should vote ‘no’ on Kavanaugh

For the sake of Alaska’s workers, I hope they reject his nomination.

Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, leaves the Senate Judiciary Committee room for a short break on the third day of his confirmation hearing, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. (J. Scott Applewhite | The Associated Press)
Opinion: Alaska’s potential pension problem

Opinion: Alaska’s potential pension problem

Make your vote count.

Opinion: Alaska’s potential pension problem
In this Aug. 10, 2014 file photo, Alaska Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell, talks during a live televised debate in Anchorage, Alaska. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File)

Treadwell is best choice in the Republican primary

Aug. 21 is the primary election and Alaskans, particularly Independents and Republics, have a hard choice in front of them. Mark Begich will win the… Continue reading

In this Aug. 10, 2014 file photo, Alaska Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell, talks during a live televised debate in Anchorage, Alaska. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File)

Opinion: Ballot Measure 1 threatens TAPS operations

Alaska’s environment The Stand for Salmon movement promises “vital infrastructure will still move forward” if the initiative passes. In reality, it would bring a standstill… Continue reading

In defense of Juneau’s free press

On Monday, the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly voted to allocate $361,000 for additional ambulance crew. But the Juneau Best Starts child care funding… Continue reading

Clean up that damn mine

The Tulsequah Chief mine has been polluting the Taku Watershed with acid mine drainage (AMD) for over 60 years now. This pollution is in violation… Continue reading